Community Partner: Food Fare

Did you know that by shopping at your neighbourhood Food Fare, you are helping sick kids in Manitoba feel better?

For Munther Zeid and his family, owners of all 5 Food Fare stores in Winnipeg, the decision to support Children’s Hospital was an easy one, made long ago.

“Children’s Hospital is the best,” says Zeid. “And everybody wants the best for their child. When my son Wajih was young he had asthma, and we used to rush him to Children’s Hospital in the middle of the night, sometimes twice a week. As soon as we walked in he was helped right away and we learned to appreciate the miracles they perform there.”

It’s an appreciation that goes both ways.

“Donors like the Zeids are the backbone of the Foundation,” says Nicole LaTourelle, Special Events Officer, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “Their generosity and commitment to the organization is what makes a difference.”

Originally developed as a golf tournament, the Food Fare for the Kids Annual Dinner is a labour of love for the Food Fare family.

“The charity dinner has been going on for quite some time,” says Zeid. “Our suppliers are very supportive of Food Fare for the Kids. Between the staff in our head office, our family, and some of the staff from the store, we pull together to organize the event. This year we welcomed over 250 people and were officially sold out. People had such a great time that we had 8 tables sold for next year before this year’s dinner was even done. It’s been amazing.”

The results have been so amazing, that they have had no problem hitting their goal of growing each year.

“Since 2007 Food Fare for the Kids has donated over $160,000, not including the dinner that took place this past September,” says LaTourelle. “Not only does Food Fare contribute financially but they also advocate for what the Foundation does for Children’s Hospital, which is to help sick kids.”

For Munther Zeid, everything Food Fare is able to do begins and ends with their customers.

“If it wasn’t for our customers we wouldn’t be able to do what we are doing,” says Zeid. “Our customers are our biggest supporters. They support us at the store level day in and day out, which allows us to do what we do for the Children’s Hospital. It all begins with our amazing customers. Without them we have nothing.”

Bear hugs to Food Fare, and their customers, for making a difference in the lives of sick kids right here in Manitoba.